Bible Engagement Project Part 1 Leader Training

Introduction

What is the purpose of discipleship?

What is the Basis of Discipleship?

I can't say that growing up in the church there was a structured discipleship program, no special set of planned classes, no six week lesson plan.

Discipleship

++Was not a program

It seemed that discipleship was not a program but the results of a compelling biblical message and respect for liturgical authority an loyalty.

Discipleship

Was not a program

++Compelling Message

++Respect for Spiritual Authority

The previous providing the foundation for the later.

Today it seems that the messages no longer have the lasting impact that the did before. We are in a state of panic.

We desire to see followers of Christ. It is difficult to tell what this looks like anymore. Followers of Christs today seem to be no different that the world around them. We have become situational believers that only desires to reflects a better image than those round them.

Is this enough?

I have to ask myself

When did Jesus disciple his disciples?

The word translated Disciples occurs

++272 times in the King James Version Bible

++Only 1 time in the Old Testament (Isaiah 8:16)

++It only appears in the Gospels and Acts

Why is this important?

What is a disciple?

Disciples -

++a personal follower of Jesus during his life, especially one of the twelve Apostles.

++a follower or student of a teacher, leader, or philosopher.

Were the Disciples Christians when they walked with Christ?

The Disciples lived under

++the old covenant

++The law

The word Covenant an agreement

++Between two or more

++Ratified in blood

Jesus Christ was the mediator of a new covenant

During his life

++It was information

++It was revelation

It couldn’t go into force until He Died

Hebrews 9:16–17 KJV 1900

16 For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. 17 For a testament is of force after men are dead: otherwise it is of no strength at all while the testator liveth.

Jesus had to die to put in place the new covenant.

2 Corinthians 5:14 KJV 1900

14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:

Biblical discipleship is intentional activity in a believers life that encourages non-believers to become a believer.

It is

++Intentional

++Relational

++Transformation

Bible study is a discipline of the believer

Bible teaching is the activity of the believer

Matthew 28:18–20 KJV 1900

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

His commandment to us is

++To Teach all Nations

++To Tell them what we have learned

It seems that discipleship was extremely relational in the time of Christ. Though he preached an taught in the religious centers of that day, true discipleship was an everyday pattern of life.

The Discipleship process included

++A Foundation

++Instruction

++Demonstration

++Application

++Evaluation

GROUP DISCUSSION:

Share with the group why you decided to become a small group leader.

What fears or apprehensions come to mind when thinking about leading a small group?

What skills do you possess that you feel will help you confidently lead your small group?

What skill do you think you can learn to help you confidently lead your small group?

Play Video

Starting a Small Group

Starting a small group can feel overwhelming. However, by focusing on the most essential things, all of the to-do list items can come into focus.

Whether you are new to starting a small group, getting ready to begin a new small group trimester, or have been leading a small group for years, Christian Rodriquez gives some good spiritual and practical insight on tools to implement when starting a small group.

SMALL GROUP NEEDS

++Prayer

God has called you to lead, so pray about what God would have for your small group • Your prayers have power (James 5:16, ESV)! Your prayers help your small group through hardships (Ephesians 6:18, MSG)! • Your prayers help prepare you for the will of God for your group (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, ESV)!

SMALL GROUP CONSIDERATIONS

Prayer

++Identify your field

Ask God what specific people He is asking you to reach and lead. • Who has God given you a passion for? i.e. An empty nester feeling called to lead a young adults group or a young professional feeling the burden to reach college students

SMALL GROUP CONSIDERATIONS

Prayer

Identify your field

++Clarify your mission

Think about one sentence that encapsulates what God has asked you to do with the people he has called you to reach. • That mission becomes the culture of your group and should be consistently repeated.

SMALL GROUP CONSIDERATIONS

Prayer

Identify your field

Clarify your mission

++Know your resources

What are your strengths and weaknesses? • What does your availability look like and what time can you set aside for your small group? • What responsibilities can you share with others in your small group?

VIDEO 2: STARTING A SMALL GROUP Christian Rodriguez

GROUP DISCUSSION:

How can you implement the practice of praying for your small group into your everyday life?

Take a few moments to think about those who you are most passionate to see come to know Jesus. Share your thoughts with the group and then pray that the Lord would help you reach these individuals through your small group.

Have you developed a small group mission statement? Take 5 or so minutes to craft a draft. Once you have completed this draft, find a partner and share.

What weaknesses or limitations do you have? Are these things someone in your group could eventually assist with? i.e. Is hospitality a weakness? Consider asking your church if someone would be willing host your group.